habitat builder
spring 2026 - issue 30
2026 Non-Profit of the Year
Assemblymember John Harabedian
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity Recognized as Nonprofit of the Year San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember John Harabedian of District 41. “It is a great honor,” said Bryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer of SGV Habitat. “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who work tirelessly to empower families through safe and affordable housing.” SGV Habitat for Humanity continues to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to creating affordable homeownership opportunities, revitalizing neighborhoods, assisting households impacted by the Eaton Fire and supporting families across the San Gabriel Valley through housing, community development, affordable home furnishings and volunteer engagement initiatives. “We are grateful for the work of SGV Habitat and want to extend our congratulations for this well deserved recognition,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) which sponsors the initiative. “Nonprofits are among our country’s most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There’s likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve.” “From the earliest days after the Eaton fire, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been there for our community, helping survivors begin their difficult path home,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “At a time when families were facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty, Habitat showed up with compassion, urgency, and action. In Altadena, their work is helping people hold onto the belief that their future can still be rebuilt. That dedication to serving families in their hardest moments is why I was proud to recognize San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity as Nonprofit of the Year.”
Habitat Aligns With Green Fenix to Bring Trees Back to Altadena Once known as a “green oasis” of Southern California, Altadena’s iconic tree canopy was devastated by the Eaton Fire — leaving residents to mourn not only the loss of homes, but also the natural landscape that defined their community for generations. Now, in a shared commitment to restoring both neighborhood beauty and community spirit, SGV Habitat, Green Fenix and Moon Valley Nurseries are joining forces to launch a major tree restoration initiative across Altadena. We are beyond thrilled to announce that on May 14th, the first two mature trees went in the ground at SGV Habitat’s first Rebuild home and newly constructed ADU located in Altadena! Representatives from our partner organizations alongside the homeowners and community members, gathered for the ceremonial planting. This is just the beginning of the joint initiative which aims to help restore the lush, shaded landscape that once defined the foothill community while supporting long-term recovery and environmental resilience. “Knowing that we have a team at SGV Habitat that will be rebuilding 100 to 200 homes in Altadena and planting two trees on every lot is going to change Altadena for generations to come.” — Bryson Reaume, CEO of Green Fenix
Women Build Powers Rebuilds Across the San Gabriel Valley
Thank Yosuors! Spon May 2026 brought an inspiring finale to SGV Habitat’s highly anticipated annual Women Build initiative — and what a finish it was! Since kicking off on April 11th, this year’s campaign rallied passionate supporters from across the community and raised an incredible $271,000 to help build strength, stability, and hope for local families. The grand finale celebration on May 9th at SGV Habitat Monrovia headquarters was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of sawdust. After heartfelt welcoming remarks from Ruthie Blake, Corporate Relations Specialist and a delicious lunch, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build benches and walls for future SGV Habitat homeowners and Altadena families. A truly moving moment came when El Sereno homeowner Claudia and her daughter Anel joined the celebration, reminding everyone that the impact of Women Build lasts far beyond a single day.
The Stewart Project: A New Model for Affordable Homeownership
The Stewart Project represents a bold new chapter in creating affordable homeownership opportunities for local families. As Los Angeles County's first affordable housing development made possible through California's SB 4 legislation, this innovative project will transform a former church campus in Baldwin Park into 15 affordable homes through adaptive reuse and new construction. By preserving much of the existing property, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is reducing construction costs, minimizing environmental impact, and accelerating the timeline to bring families home sooner. What was once a place of worship will continue its legacy of serving the community by becoming a place where families can build stability, security, and generational wealth. We invite you to experience The Stewart Project firsthand. Schedule a visit to tour the site, learn more about the vision, and see how your partnership can help make these homes a reality for local families. Contact: Paul Van Ast: paulv@sgvhabitat.org
Make A Difference in Your Community! Celebrating the Very Foundation of Who We Are – Our Volunteers! On April 23rd, SGV Habitat turned our Monrovia headquarters into party central for Volunteer Appreciation Week — and what a night it was! Between delicious food, laughter echoing through the room, and heartfelt stories, we celebrated the incredible volunteers who make it all possible. Familiar faces and first-time volunteers alike came together from across the San Gabriel Valley, proving once again that teamwork really does make the dream work. Hearing what inspires you to give your time reminded us just how powerful this community is. Simply put: SGV Habitat wouldn’t be SGV Habitat without you!
All Hands on Deck: SGV Habitat Staff Unite for All Staff Build Day
On May 27th, SGV Habitat team members traded desks, meetings, and inboxes for hammers, box-cutters and teamwork during our annual All Staff Build Day! Employees from across every department and level of the organization came together to volunteer at construction sites throughout the San Gabriel Valley and at the Pasadena ReStore. The day was filled with laughter, collaboration, and meaningful moments as staff worked side-by-side to support the families and communities we serve. Whether building walls, organizing materials, helping customers or lending a helping hand wherever needed, everyone played an important role in making the day a success. The All Staff Build Day was a chance to strengthen connections, create lasting memories, and celebrate the incredible mission that unites us all. By the end of the day, there were tired muscles, smiling faces, and plenty of stories to share back at the job sites!
Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Elle
A special thank you goes out to 12-year-old Elle, a 7th-grade student at Alverno Heights Academy, for providing snack bags during the Pasadena ReStore's 3Year Anniversary celebration. The chips, snacks, and treats she donated helped keep volunteers energized throughout the busy event day and served as a thoughtful reminder of the many ways community members can support our mission. Elle's involvement highlights the important role youth can play in giving back. Whether it's donating supplies, helping at special events, participating in volunteer opportunities, or supporting community projects, young people can make a meaningful impact at any age. Her generosity and initiative demonstrate that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in strengthening our community.
Pasadena ReStore Celebrates 3 Years of Community Impact
Every Day is Earth Day at the Pasadena ReStore! At the Pasadena ReStore, Earth Day is celebrated every day through a mission focused on sustainability, community impact, and affordable home improvement.
The Pasadena ReStore in May 2023 (left) compared to the Pasadena ReStore today (right).
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of its Pasadena ReStore on May 16th with a festive community event that drew shoppers from across Southern California. Guests of all ages enjoyed special shopping discounts, free gifts, gourmet coffee treats, cake and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Volunteers welcomed visitors through a colorful balloon gateway, handed out coupons, and helped customers carry purchases to their cars, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere for everyone attending.
The Pasadena ReStore offers affordable furniture, appliances, home décor, and building materials while keeping quality items out of local landfills. Many products are brand new and deeply discounted, giving shoppers the opportunity to save money while supporting an important cause.
Since opening in 2023, the Pasadena ReStore has become an important community resource, offering affordable furniture, appliances, home décor, and building materials while supporting SGV Habitat’s affordable housing programs. Following the devastating Eaton Fire, the ReStore also provided displaced families with free furnishings and household essentials, helping restore comfort and stability during recovery efforts. The anniversary celebration highlighted the ReStore’s continued impact and the strong community support behind its mission.
3 YEARS BY THE NUMBERS
4,899 RESTORE VOLUNTEERS
81
HOMES BUILT/REPAIRED
3,550 DONATIONS PICKED UP
EVERY PURCHASE MAKES AN IMPACT
From thrifting one-of-a-kind finds to shopping the ReStore's Vendor Marketplace, every purchase helps extend the life of quality items, reduce waste, and promote a more sustainable future. Proceeds directly support SGV Habitat's affordable housing programs, including rebuilding homes lost in the Eaton Fire and helping qualified families achieve homeownership. By shopping, donating, or volunteering at the ReStore, community members help protect the environment while supporting families as they rebuild their lives and create stable futures throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Did You Know? AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP Helping local families achieve the dream of homeownership.
HOME PRESERVATION
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
REBUILDING ALTADENA
Keeping local homes safe, healthy and strong!
Creating meaningful opportunities to serve our community.
Restoring hope to the families in the community we love.
Since March 8, 2025, these ongoing efforts have made a meaningful impact. The ReStore has provided 128,899 discounts on essential home goods, with 19,813 items sold, helping families save a total of $101,976 while accessing the resources they need to rebuild.
Pasadena ReStore 32 N. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
Hours of Operation: Sunday: 12pm - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Every dollar spent at the Pasadena ReStore saves approximately four pounds of material from ending up in a landfill.
Shop Online & In-Store!
shopsgvrestore.org
Interested in making a donation? Contact our Donation Coordinator at 626.387.6900 or ReStoreInfo@sgvhabitat.org